I refer to the letter by my friend Frans Said entitled ‘Forty years of Father’s Day’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, June 11).

The first mention of Mothers’ Day was, I think, in 1952.

Carmen Carbonaro had invited me to speak on her popular women’s programme. I was at the time studying in Rome and I chose to talk about Italy’s ‘Giornata della Mamma’.

The idea caught on and I also spoke to my dear friend Salvinu Tellus to promote it in his popular children’s programme, which he did so well with Frans Said.

When the Cana Movement started in 1956, Mother’s Day was top on our agenda. We printed Mother’s Day cards and organised many events which became very popular. Our monthly magazine Kana dedicated issues on the theme and the local press was quick to catch up.

Fathers lovingly protested as they too wanted their well-deserved day and Father’s Day was launched by the Cana Movement. One special event was a well-attended Mass at the Addolorata Cemetery. Frans Said and many others also promoted this day.

I do hope that the spiritual and human vision of these days will not be put aside because of commercial aspects.